Recent studies have raised concerns about the potential risks associated with popular weight-loss medications, particularly for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Research published in JAMA found that GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound may be linked to an increased risk of serious eye conditions and vision loss. The analysis of over 159,000 participants revealed a modest elevated risk of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAOIN), a rare condition that can cause sudden vision loss due to poor blood flow, as well as other optic nerve disorders.
While the second study did not observe a statistically significant difference in NAION in GLP-1 drug users, there was a small increase in diabetic retinopathy, an eye disease that can damage the retina. Although these findings suggest a need for vigilant monitoring, researchers emphasized that these medications still offer significant benefits in managing type 2 diabetes and reducing other complications. Dr. Sue Decotiis, a medical weight-loss doctor in New York City, noted that more studies are required to confirm the association between these drugs and vision loss, as the studies report some conflicting results.
Diabetic patients already face a high incidence of eye disease related to blood flow and nerve damage, the expert noted. Eye complications are often directly related to the degree or lack thereof of diabetes control. In most cases, GLP-1 drugs reduce the severity of type 2 diabetes, thereby reducing the incidence of eye diseases, Decotiis added. These drugs have also been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, like hypertension, and to improve circulation, which can improve eye health.
For diabetics who are starting a GLP-1, Decotiis recommends having an exam done by an ophthalmologist and scheduling follow-up exams throughout treatment. “We should take precaution with methodical ophthalmic care for diabetics on these drugs,” Decotiis said. “However, let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water.”
Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, provided the following statement when contacted by Fox News Digital: “Patient safety is a top priority for Novo Nordisk, and we take all reports about adverse events from the use of our medicines very seriously. NAION is a very rare eye disease, and it is not an adverse drug reaction for the marketed formulations of semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy) as per the approved labels in the U.S.” “Novo Nordisk, on its part, has conducted an analysis across randomized controlled clinical trials with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including a blinded ophthalmologist evaluation to confirm NAION diagnoses. Our current assessment is that these data do not suggest a causal relationship between GLP-1 RA use and NAION events.”